Have fond memories of the pet you loved in childhood and want the same for your children? Or maybe you’re just looking for the best way to respond to your child’s request for an animal companion. Pet health care requires a significant commitment — so before you bring home a furry friend for your child, take some time to make the best match.

Are You and Your Child Ready for a Pet?

Here are the first two questions to ask yourself when considering pets and kids: Is your child ready to help take care of a pet, and are you ready to supervise?

If you’re hoping to hand the care of a new pet over entirely to your child, think again. “Parents have the ultimate responsibility for pet care, regardless of the age of the child,” cautions animal behaviorist Melissa Bain, DVM, assistant professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis, Calif. “If the child is given chores to do for the pet, such as walk the dog or clean the litter box, the parents need to assure that this has occurred.”

You will also need to assume responsibility for the pet’s health, such as scheduling annual check-ups. This said, Bain stresses that children can help in different ways, depending on where they are in their own development. Even toddlers can start to play a role in pet care with the right supervision.

The primary pet-ready characteristics to look for in your child are:

Obedience. Your child is able to understand basic, age-appropriate instructions and do as he is told. This is important not just for pet health and care, but also for the safety of pets and kids.

Gentleness. Your child can control the force with which he touches or plays with an animal.

Responsibility. If you plan to give older children chores, such as feeding or walking the pet, you should be sure that they can – and will – do so at the appropriate time.

How to Involve Children in Pet Care

Many children are born into families that already include a pet, which means they become integrated into pet care early on. Here are some ways children can help, based on their age:

Toddler and preschoolers. Children this age can help adults with some basic pet chores such as pet grooming and putting new bedding in cages. However, children under age 6 should always be supervised with pets of any size, for chores or play.

Elementary school years. Children in this age range may be able to keep their own small caged pets or fish. You will still need to supervise the general care and maintenance of the animals. They can also take on greater responsibility for entertaining, feeding, and grooming larger pets, such as dogs and cats. At this age, depending on the size and obedience of the animal, dogs and kids can learn to walk well together.

Junior high and high schoolers. Preteens and teens can provide pet care without direct supervision, but you will have to check to make sure that they are indeed walking, grooming, feeding, and cleaning up after the pet as they are supposed to do.

Young adults. At this point, many younger people are leaving home — and their pets. Decisions must be made about who will take over care while they are gone.

Tips for Choosing That First Pet

For parents who are considering adding their first pet to the household for their children’s enjoyment, Bain offers these tips:

Start small. “It may be easier to try a furred pet, such as a rodent, as they require a bit more involvement, but give a bit more back than goldfish,” advises Bain. A pet store or vet is a good resource for advice on how to feed, play with, and keep your new pet clean.

Foster an animal. If you want to “try out” life with a pet for a limited period, you can find out about fostering opportunities from a local shelter or animal rescue group. Not all foster animals are abandoned or mistreated — some simply need a place to stay while their owner is deployed with the military or living in a temporary situation where pets are not allowed.

Volunteer at a shelter. This is a great family activity and will give you and your kids hands-on training in pet care basics without committing to a pet at home.

Matching Personalities of Pets and Kids

Perhaps your greatest challenge will be finding the “right” pet for your child’s personality. Bain advises being realistic about both the pet and the child. For example, a very active child should always be supervised more closely with a pet than a child who is calm and relaxed, Bain says, adding that the most difficult combination is a very active child and a fearful or nervous animal.

Bain strongly advises doing some research into the temperament of the animal breed you are considering, especially if you are trying to match dogs and kids. “Veterinary behaviorists see aggression problems as their primary problems,” she says. “Owners should research the breed and breed-type before selecting a pet, understanding what the family's lifestyle, requirements, and make-up are. Dogs and cats should be properly and humanely socialized and trained using positive reinforcement techniques.” A little investment in obedience training involving your kids could go a long way toward ensuring a smooth relationship.

Pets and kids can go together like apple pie and ice cream … as long as you have realistic expectations based on your child’s capabilities and your pet’s needs.